Zman Fishing

The new products out by Zman in their micro fineness lineup deserve some attention for ultralight fishermen who are looking for quality at a good price point. In this particular post I’m focusing on the shad fryZ and the new Drew’s ultimate ned rig rod which is Zman’s first rod on the market. Let’s dive in!

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The rod in the picture above is not just for the avid ned rig fisherman it’s also an affordable quality option for any ultralight fishing style you enjoy and for me that’s going on the hunt for some CRAPPIE! It comes in two size options the one I chose was the 5’4” an overall good size for my kayak and shooting docks. It features a Tennessee cork handle that requires you to place your reel on with electric tape and that gives you further customization that can make this a uniquely crafted fishing rod that fits your personality. The reel I chose is a Piscifun Carbonx 500 series comes in sizes all the way to to 2500 and for the price point it’s hard to beat. Overall this rod/reel combo has been my favorite purchase of 2023 and I highly recommend adding it to your collection.

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This leads me to the next topic the Zman shad fryZ in the micro finesse series of baits that come in 10 different color options the above being Blue Glimmer Sparkle. They are made with the elaztech plastic that Zman is known for and that makes this bait stand out from others in major ways including more fish per bait and less money spent. The shad FryZ in particular pair up nicely with a roadrunner head. The one pictured above is a 1/16oz trimmed down to 1/32oz wrapped with dental floss and super glued to the shank to allow even more durability along with eliminating resetting the plastic. The swim action of this bait is as close to the real thing I’ve seen yet the tail action along with the ribbed body to create vibration seems to be irresistible to any fish that you are targeting. If your looking for something new keep these in mind and I say give it a try the results will be pleasing to say the least!

Here are some pictures of just a few of the fish caught with the Zman products mentioned in this post. Thanks for reading be blessed and tight lines! Ps all fish were caught using 1 plastic all day that’s saying a lot for the quality you get.

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Thanks for sharing

Certainly looks interesting

that's the same rig and trimming RR that Richard Gene has shown and it looks durable and works.

Thanks for sharing this with us.

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Originally Posted by hdhntr

that's the same rig and trimming RR that Richard Gene has shown and it looks durable and works.

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Yep he’s the crappie master no doubt and I’m a tried and true student that his methods work. Thanks for checking out the post


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Nice review, well written. Thank you.

Good review and some really nice fish. Richard has some good ideas on simple rigs that load the boat.

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Originally Posted by MCG1

Nice review, well written. Thank you.

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Thank-you sir I appreciate the feedback and for checking out the post. Tight lines


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Originally Posted by skeetbum

Good review and some really nice fish. Richard has some good ideas on simple rigs that load the boat.

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Thanks! I’ve learned a lot from Richard I’m glad he’s willing to share his knowledge like he does.


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They are tough baits. I've used them and had success like you. They are pricey but you get a lot of use from them. The thing about them being tough is.... you almost have to rig them the way you did. The material is so tough it is hard to get it on the jig collar. Once you force it on the collar, to me they don't hold well without glueing it. But I without a doubt think they catch fish. Thanks for you write up. Keep us updated on the rod.

Also in the same line of bait try the stinger z. That little ball on the tail is a killer.

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Originally Posted by DWILL

They are tough baits. I've used them and had success like you. They are pricey but you get a lot of use from them. The thing about them being tough is.... you almost have to rig them the way you did. The material is so tough it is hard to get it on the jig collar. Once you force it on the collar, to me they don't hold well without glueing it. But I without a doubt think they catch fish. Thanks for you write up. Keep us updated on the rod.

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Thanks for the feedback and yes the price point can be a tad high but you can save a little shopping on discount tackle.

Agreed that plastic material can be tough to rig but the superglue method keeps that part out play when fishing and to me it’s fun to build out the jig.

The rod has been so much fun to use and I left out in the review about the sensitivity being another highlight during use it’s easily been one of the best I’ve felt. Future post will definitely be including this combo. Thanks again for checking out the post be blessed.


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might be good stuff , but never use baits that cost big money is me , might think about limits tackle plastics , a few baits out there are durable , but many of them are a bit pricey , his are tough as nails and priced to sell , plus it is likely you might get a few free ones when you order from him as well .....just saying
he sells underspins that will outperform most the others too , fyi .....
nice read and right up , KABOOM is near ....:cheers2

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Originally Posted by Ketchn

might be good stuff , but never use baits that cost big money is me , might think about limits tackle plastics , a few baits out there are durable , but many of them are a bit pricey , his are tough as nails and priced to sell , plus it is likely you might get a few free ones when you order from him as well .....just saying
he sells underspins that will outperform most the others too , fyi .....
nice read and right up , KABOOM is near ....:cheers2

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Thanks Ketchn I’m gonna check that company out for sure.


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Originally Posted by Ketchn

might be good stuff , but never use baits that cost big money is me , might think about limits tackle plastics , a few baits out there are durable , but many of them are a bit pricey , his are tough as nails and priced to sell , plus it is likely you might get a few free ones when you order from him as well .....just saying
he sells underspins that will outperform most the others too , fyi .....
nice read and right up , KABOOM is near ....:cheers2

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:hesaid

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

:hesaid

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Interesting I felt like the return for my investment was pretty high but I will continue exploring other options. Thanks for the feedback.


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New Z-Man Drew’s Ultimate Ned Rig Rods | Bass Angler Magazine

Good article on the rod for all interested


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I bought a few packs of the fryZ and ticklerz and got a chance to toss them at some fish this last week. The main reason I wanted to try them is their durability. What I found was that the fryZ and the ticklerz get the fish, and the fryZ have great slow speed action, BUT the fish still chewed the tail off about as fast as they chew the tails off Brewers paddle tails. I was a little surprised at this. The ticklerz seemed to be more durable though, and loved the glow colored ticklerz. I really slammed em on both. Once the tail got chewed off the tailless fryZ still works and lasts a very long time. FishUSA has a sale on them today if anyone is interested.
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Thanks for sharing

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Originally Posted by GRIZZ

I bought a few packs of the fryZ and ticklerz and got a chance to toss them at some fish this last week. The main reason I wanted to try them is their durability. What I found was that the fryZ and the ticklerz get the fish, and the fryZ have great slow speed action, BUT the fish still chewed the tail off about as fast as they chew the tails off Brewers paddle tails. I was a little surprised at this. The ticklerz seemed to be more durable though, and loved the glow colored ticklerz. I really slammed em on both. Once the tail got chewed off the tailless fryZ still works and lasts a very long time. FishUSA has a sale on them today if anyone is interested.
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Beautiful pictures and thanks for sharing your experience. I had that happen to me as well with the LarvaZ getting the tails bit off while dock shooting them but they still were catching even without it. Thanks for the heads up on the sale I will be checking it out no doubt.




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Attachment 477401TBass89,theysaid
Good report, have not been able to be out there to enjoy the fishing, but would like to add a little on my use of ZMAN baits. I used to cutdown/modify their full sized baits for panfish in ponds/lakes and then continued using when I started creek fishing. Time & effort but durabe and worked out well, then glad when they came out with the downsized series.(would have preferred them even a bit smaller myself) Used the ShadFryZ & TinyTicklerZ in a few colors, with the Dark& Stormy Purple doing really well in the ShadFryZ. They do not discriminate on species they will catch, Smallies, Channel Cats, Walleye, Sauger, Drum and even Buffalos & Quillback. Sorry, did not get to try on Crappies. Here's a few pics, thanks again for the informative report.
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Originally Posted by moonrunner

Attachment 477401TBass89,theysaid
Good report, have not been able to be out there to enjoy the fishing, but would like to add a little on my use of ZMAN baits. I used to cutdown/modify their full sized baits for panfish in ponds/lakes and then continued using when I started creek fishing. Time & effort but durabe and worked out well, then glad when they came out with the downsized series.(would have preferred them even a bit smaller myself) Used the ShadFryZ & TinyTicklerZ in a few colors, with the Dark& Stormy Purple doing really well in the ShadFryZ. They do not discriminate on species they will catch, Smallies, Channel Cats, Walleye, Sauger, Drum and even Buffalos & Quillback. Sorry, did not get to try on Crappies. Here's a few pics, thanks again for the informative report.
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Thanks for that reply and wow those are some great pictures I still haven’t got to experience the excitement of catching a small mouth but I would love to make that happen one day soon.

I’m with you on the size of the bait where I target the crappie mainly by dock shooting it seems the 1.25 and below baits out perform the 2in consistently and I pair them up with size 8 hooks tiny stuff for sure but it will stick a slab no problem bass and catfish occasionally get hookups as well.

My fishing trips are spaced out a good bit with me getting out 1-2 times a month so bait customization is part of the hobby for me keeps it fun and writing about it has become something I am beginning to enjoy even more. Reel therapy though is hard to beat and much needed I’m thankful for the ability to keep getting out there and I don’t plan for that to change anytime soon God willing.

Thanks again for that feedback and with those smallies check out the Drew’s ned rig rod I think you would enjoy it! Be blessed and tight lines.


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